Sermon on 24th August 2008 by Pastor Suresh Cherian

Ref: Romans 8:12-17                                    

God’s Holy Spirit is referred to in many places by many names: Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Spirit of Life that dwells in us. In the Old Testament, God’s presence lived in the temple and the temple was in a particular place. The New Testament declares that the presence of God is not in a place but in us. God will put His Word and Spirit in us so that we will become a people who are obedient. Through Christ’s death on Calvary’s cross and His resurrection, we are cleansed from all our unrighteousness so that the Holy Spirit may dwell in us.

God has cleansed us to be spirit-filled Christians. We are given His spirit so that we may be:

1. Worshippers
2. Have Communication, Communion and Union with God through God’s Holy Spirit
3. Have life, fruitfulness and a depth to living
4. Inheritors

 1. Worshippers

The Father is looking for those who will worship in spirit and in truth. God is looking for a living temple. Our bodies are broken jars but God has given us the power of His Spirit, not because we deserve it but because of His love, because of Jesus’ Blood that cleanses us. Whatever blessings we have, nothing can take the place of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit or Jesus’ sacrifice.

God is looking for men and women who will do 2 things:

• Are you a worshipper?
• Is God your king?

2. Communication, Communion and Union

When we begin to have union and communication with the Holy Spirit, he makes us aware that there is so much God wants to give us. We need to be in a place where we want what God wants us to have:

• The Spirit wants to teach us the things of the spirit
• Make us spirit-minded, which gives life and peace
• Bless us to be a blessing to others

We need the Spirit of Christ to make God happy. God communicates through His Spirit - His Spirit to our spirit. The Holy Spirit will speak from the Word. God came down in the likeness of sinful man but without sin. He led a sinless life. As He stepped into His ministry, it was the Holy Spirit that drove him into the wilderness. There He was tempted and He answered every challenge through the Word of God and He came out of the desert full of the Holy Spirit. We need to be like that.

God is looking for friendship, intimacy and it His good pleasure to give us His spirit. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Mathew 7:11) Receive by faith. Understand, it talks about intimacy, communion - two lovers, a marriage, everything that is mine is yours.

3. Have life, fruitfulness and a depth to living

There is a law of the flesh which is unto death and a law of the spirit which is life. He gives us life. This was the life that was snuffed out when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. The moment Adam sinned; man became filled with guilt, shame and fear. We are no longer under slavery. The way the devil works is to say you can take freely (like in the Garden of Eden) but in the end he will enslave you. However the Spirit of God enables us to be sons and daughters of God (we are adopted by God).

We did not receive the spirit of bondage but a spirit of power, love and sound mind so that we may perceive.

4. Inheritors

The Holy Spirit is your inheritance; this gift is absolutely FREE. You need to have the Holy Spirit. After being washed by the blood of Jesus you are a vessel into whom He will pour out His Spirit.

God is our Father. God is not somewhere far away; He is so close to us. We can call Him Father. The Holy Spirit brings intimacy.

3 examples of adoption:

1. Moses the son of Hebrew slaves, he was adopted by the sister of Pharaoh
2. Esther was adopted by Mordecai
3. Mephibosheth was the grandson of Saul, King David invited him to sit at the King’s table

Moses told the Israelites that they were a possession of God. But not just that, you are God’s and God is yours. That’s why the Bible says, you are a peculiar people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, you are God’s treasure.

The Holy Spirit bears witness against the enemy of the brethren. When the devil says you are worthless, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are sons and daughters of the living God. Everything that is God’s is ours; we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

In Conclusion

We are followers of God’s Holy Spirit. We can resist and grieve the Holy Spirit. Let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit. He’s very strong but gentle. He convicts us. He does not condemn us.

It’s powerful to have God’s Spirit that we may know the Love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit.